John Peel - First Show on Radio 1

Episode 553,   Sep 12, 2012, 10:13 PM

When Radio 1 launched, it signed up just about everybody. Nice, if you can afford it, mind you contracts were just eight weeks in duration. Many of the ex -pirates got a shot, not least because some programmes were just one hour in duration.

From American work to the 'Perfumed Garden' on the pirate Radio London, John Peel had created a name for himself, and he was duly appointed to the fledgling BBC Radio 1.

His debut was in Autumn 1967, co-hosting 'Top Gear' with Pete Drummond. Music included Martha & the Vandellas, The Bee Gees, The Velvet Underground and one of my all-time favourite tracks by Nirvana: 'Pentecost Hotel'.